From Seoul to Kyoto Tour with 2 Reviews by Europamundo

12 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

50 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Seoul, South Korea

Ends

Kyoto, Japan

Itinerary

Take in the best of South Korea and Japan on the "From Seoul to Kyoto" tour, a 12-day city sightseeing adventure ideal for travelers who value ease and comfort. Journey from Seoul to Kyoto, with all accommodations, transport, and meals arranged, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. The unique feature of this tour package is its seamless cross-border itinerary, offering a deep dive into both nations’ cultures while maintaining a relaxed pace suited for seniors.

day 1 - Seoul

Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

day 2 - Seoul

We’ll depart early for the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that marks the division between the two Koreas. We’ll explore the Second Tunnel, secretly dug by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975. We’ll then head to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, offering panoramic views of the DMZ and the first villages of North Korea. Inside, there is a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our route will continue with a visit to the abandoned Woljeongri railway station. We’ll also visit the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, which honors the role of a French UN battalion during the battles. Lunch included. Finally, we’ll visit a local producer of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor. We’ll return to Seoul in the evening. Important note: Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required. The DMZ is a military zone and could be closed unexpectedly without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative route will be provided. With our guide, we go to City Hall, to see this impressive tsunamilooking building. Across from City Hall, we’ll see Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, allowing us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. From there, we’ll walk to the Myeongdong district, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment area, whose name means “bright town. ” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. To return to hotel we’ll take the modern and efficient metro (ticket included). Overnight accommodation.

Meals:Bulgogi and side dish with soup and rice

day 3 - Seoul

Today, we’ll enjoy an extensive fivehour tour of Seoul. We’ll see the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within a large park and home to a collection of palaces. Afterward, we’ll pass by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional and historic neighborhood with little homes. Next, we’ll learn about the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum that provides a deep insight into the various conflicts that have shaped Korea’s history, with a special focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from many countries fought under the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll then head to the Gangnam District, one of the city´s busiest areas, known for its shopping centers and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at Lotte World Tower, a stunning skyscraper standing 550 meters tall. You’ll have free time either to go up the tower (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. After, we will return to the hotel, and you will have free time.

day 4 - Seoul, Suwon, Jeonju

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be Suwon, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to Jeonju, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

day 5 - Jeonju, Damyang, Haeinsa, Busan

We’ll depart for the Sunchang Gochujang Village, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hangari. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a handson experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to Damyang to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to Busan, Korea’s secondlargest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

day 6 - Busan, Busan - Shimonoseki Ferry

In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14thcentury Buddhist temple located by the sea. After returning to Busan, we’ll learn about the United Nations Memorial, where people from various countries are buried. Next, we’ll visit the largest fish market in the country, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch will be included. We’ll then walk to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120meter pagoda. Later, we’ll go to the port to complete boarding formalities (the latest checkin time for the ferry is 5:30 p. m. ). The ferry is scheduled to depart from Busan at 9:00 p. m. , crossing the Sea of Japan. Night will be spent onboard in double cabins with private bathrooms. Note: Due to limited availability of double cabins on the ferry, we may take a highspeed ferry departing Busan at 3:00 p. m. and arriving in Fukuoka (Japan) at around 6:30 p. m. (border crossing, free time in Fukuoka, and hotel accommodation).

day 7 - Busan - Shimonoseki Ferry, Shimonoseki, Iwakuni, Itsukushima, Hiroshima

Arrival at 08:00 a. m. at Shimonoseki Port (breakfast not included), followed by a border crossing. We’ll head to Iwakuni, a charming town where we’ll pass by the beautiful and historic KintaiKyo Bridge. We’ll then take a ferry to Miyajima, the island known as the place “where gods and humans coexist. ” It is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. There will be time to explore the shrine, stroll through the picturesque town center, and enjoy lunch. Next, we’ll head to Hiroshima, a city sadly known for the atomic bombing in 1945 that destroyed it. We’ll tour the Peace Memorial, see the atomic bomb dome, and visit the impressive Peace Museum. Dinner will be included.

Meals:Dinner buffet

day 8 - Hiroshima, Matsuyama

Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island; a pleasant twoandahalfhour journey that will help us understand Japan, a country made up of numerous islands. In Matsuyama, we’ll ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle. After that, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a popular pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

day 9 - Matsuyama, Kotohira, Takamatsu, Naruto, Kobe

We’ll head to Kotohira, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and an important pilgrimage site built on Mount Zosu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. Next, in Takamatsu, we’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, in Naruto, we’ll stop at an impressive bridge that spans the sea. Here, we’ll explore its remarkable construction and walk along its glass floor to observe the powerful sea whirlpools from 45 meters above. Our scenic route will then take us across stunning bridges connecting islands over the sea. Finally, we’ll arrive in Kobe for accommodation.

day 10 - Kobe, Osaka, Mount Koya

In KOBE, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which serves to honor the memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and its remarkable reconstruction. We’ll then continue to OSAKA, before heading to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in JAPAN. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593. We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will lead us in a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast. Notes: On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared. We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

Meals:Vegetarian dinner with seasonal vegetables. Water and tea included.

day 11 - Mount Koya, Kyoto

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from bombings during World War II, Kyoto retains its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also famous as the site where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997. Our visit will take us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens. You’ll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere. Note: If you’ve already visited Kyoto as part of your tour, our guide will provide tips and recommendations to help you explore other parts of the city on your own.

day 12 - Kyoto

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Seul - Mercure Ambassador Hongdae (4 Star Hotel)Busan - Crown Harbor (4 Star Hotel)Hiroshima - Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (4 Star Hotel)Matsuyama - Ana Crowne Plaza Matsuyama (4 Star Hotel)Kobe - Monterey Kobe (4 Star Hotel)Monte Koya - Monasterio Hojoin (4 Star Hotel)Kioto - Miyako Kioto Hachijyo (4 Star Hotel)

Meals

7 Lunch included in: Seoul, Seoul, Suwon, Damyang, Busan, Matsuyama, Takamatsu3 dinner included in: Seoul, Hiroshima, Mount Koya

Transport

Includes arrival transferEvening transfer: Myeongdong district, Traditional quarter of GionFerry: Busan Shimonoseki (night ferry), Hiroshima- Miyajima, Hiroshima- MatsuyamaFunicular: Matsuyama castle

Others

General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.City tour in: Seoul, Busan, KyotoExcursion: DMZ CheorwonExperiences: Learning how to make this famous sauce in the Sunchang Gochujang Village

What's Excluded

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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

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